Switch mechanism for pumps



11, H. VAN DAM 1,983,825

W SWITCH MECHANISM FOR PUMPS Filed Jan. 20, 1954 4 Sheets-Sheet l 1N VEN TOR Hem" Van 76m ATTORNEYS Dec.

H. VAN DAM SWITCH MECHANISM FOR PUMPS 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 20, 1934 Q51 INVENTOR A TT RNEY;

Dec. 1 1, 1934. H. VAN DAM SWITCH MECHANISM FOR PUMPS Filed Jan. 20, 1934 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 I INVENTOR 30 7 Hem VdflDa/n ATTORNEYS Dec. v 11, 1934.

H. VAN DAM SWITCH MECHANISM FOR PUMPS Filed Jan. 20, 1954 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 IN VE N TOR 1 4 Dam A TTORNE Y r F iiiiila Patented Dec. 11, 1934 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 19 Claims.

This invention relates to a switch mechanism well .adapted for use with dispensing pumps of the type disclosed in the copending application of Ernest W. Shugart, Serial No. 667,177, filed April The main objects of my invention are:

First, to provide means for operating each or all of as-eries of pumps by a single motor, the motor acting to drive only the selected pump or pumps in response to the operation of 'a manually controlled switch associated with such pump or pumps.

Second, to provide an improved supervisory control by means of which a pump can be set to r deliver a predetermined quantity of fluid and stop automatically after the delivery of such quantity, the actual delivery being under the direct control of the operator at the delivery nozzle. Third, to provide improved. automatic, stop switch mechanism of this character which is efficient and effective for the purpose intended;

Further objects and objects relating to details and economies of my invention will appear from the description to follow. A preferred embodiment of my invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. l is a fragmentary diagrammatic top plan view of a plurality of pumps and a single driving motor embodying the features of my invention.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary detail view (partly diagrammatic) of the normally open electromagnetically operated clutch mechanism connecting the motor and one of the pumps.

Fig. 3 is anenlarged detail section on line 3--3 7 of Fig. 2 of the clutch means.

Fig. 4 is a circuit diagram showing the motor control circuits and switches.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary top plan view of an electric fluid dispensing pump embodying the features of my invention, portions of the structure being broken away and shown'in section, the end only of shaft 3 being seen.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary View in side elevation from the left hand of Fig. 5 of the pump, portions being broken away and shown in section,

switch mechanism taken on a line corresponding to line 1010 of Figs. 8, 11, and 12.

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary view in front elevation of the normally closed switch which is adapted to open (cut-out) the motor control circuit whenthe pump has delivered a predetermined quantity of fluid.

Fig. 12 is a detail section on line 1212 of Figs. 8, 10, and 11.

Fig. 13 is an enlarged detail section on line 13-13 of Fig. 14, showing the ratchet for preventing reverse rotation of the mechanism.

Fig. 14 is an enlarged transverse detail section on line 14-14 of Figs. '7 and 13, of said ratchet means.

Fig. 15 is a detailsection of a modification showing stops for locating the gear wheel in its initial position when the same is free to be reversely rotated.

The parts are identified by their numerals of reference which are the same throughout the several views. v

I contemplate by my invention: (1) a complete pump including its driving motor, nozzle switch control and automatic stop; (2) a plurality of other similar pumps connected to said driving motor for operation thereby; and (3) clutch means connecting'said pumps and motor so that the motor drives only the selected pump. My improvements are applicable, first to a plurality of pumps driven by a single motor, the motor being connected to each pump by an individual clutch controlled by a solenoid, and second to a single complete pump alone.

' Briefly, I provide in one arrangement a plurality of fluid dispensing pumps each having a hose terminating in a'nozzle; A single driving motor. A normally open manually controlled switch on each nozzle in control circuit relation with the motor. A normally open clutch connecting each pump to said motor. An electromagnet associated with each clutch for closing the same on the closing of the switch, the closing of such switch also closing the motor energizing circuit. A normally closed switch associated with each pump in control circuit with the motor adapted when opened to open such circuit to stop the motor. Means associated with each pump and actuated thereby for opening said normally closed switch. And a manually controlled-pre-set for predetermining the operation of said switch opening means to control the quantity of fluid delivered by the selected pump. -Any pump is free for operation regardless of the operation of the other pumps associated with the common motor.

The operator closes the nozzle switch after pre-setting the automatic stop. The closing of the nozzle switch results in the energization of the motor and the solenoid. The solenoid closes the clutch of the selected pump and the motor drives the latter until the proper quantity of fluid is delivered, whereupon the normally closed switch is'automatically opened, de-energizing the motor which stops. The clutch is restored to normal position when the operator releases the nozzle switch. Up until the limit of the pre-set is reached, the operator may start and stop the delivery of fluid by the pump as desired by manipulating the nozzle switch thereof. So long as any pump is being used the motor is energized, but when no pump is being used, the motor is de-energized. Due to my use of clutches controlled by solenoids, the individual pump can be turned on and on regardless of the operation of the motor, as when driving another pump.

When used as a single unit, the clutch and its electrical control are not used. In such case, the clutch is omitted or replaced by a clutch of the slip type as shown in the application of Shugart referred to above.

1 is a motor which is connected to a series of pumps 2, 2, 2 by means of its shaft 3 and normally open clutches 4, there being a clutch for each pump. 5, 5, 5 are worms on the main drive shaft 3 which mesh with worm gears 6, Fig. 9, on the stub shafts 7, 7, 7. Each clutch comprises a driving clutch member 8 splined to the shaft '7 for longitudinal adjustment thereon and a driven clutch member 9 having a pinion 10 geared to the gear wheel 11. 12 is a socket in the end of the driven clutch member 9 which receives the projection 13 of reduced diameter on the end of the drivingshaft 7, Fig. 2.

14 is an annular flange on the driving clutch member 8 which is provided with a peripheral groove 15 in which the ring 16 is mounted, permitting the clutch member to rotate therein. 17 is a clutch shifting yoke connected to the ring 16 by means of opposed pins 18, 18. 19 is a support on the gear housing 20 to which the clutch shifting yoke 17 is pivoted for actuation by the armature 21 of the solenoid or electromagnet 22. 23 is a compression spring disposed between the rear wall 24 of the pump housing and the abutment 25 on the armature for urging the latter to hold the driving clutch member 8 in normally open position relative to the driven clutch member 9.

Each pump is provided with a transparent cylinder 95 for the piston 26 so that on each upward stroke of the piston the pump is adapted to deliver a predetermined quantity of fluid such as oil to the nozzle 2'7 at the end of the hose 28. The nozzle is provided with a check valve (not shown) for maintaining the hose full of oil and for preventing leakage. A preferred type of nozzle is that disclosed and claimed in the copending application of myself and Ernest W. Shugart for Nozzles filed on even date with this application.

29 is a connecting rod for the piston 26, the lower end thereof being connected to the large gear 11 by means of Wrist pin 30 and link 31. 32 is a vertical guide for the crosshead 33 which carries the pivot 34 connecting the link 31 and rod 29. Thus, when the clutch 4 is closed, the motor 1 reciprocates the piston 26 in the cylinder 95.

35 is a supply pipe for the cylinder which depends into the container 36 so that the liquid 37 therein is sucked up into the cylinder by the upward stroke of the piston. 38 is a valve in the supply pipe 35 adapted to close on the down stroke of the piston and open on the up stroke thereof.

39 is a valve associated with the piston 26 adapted to open on the down stroke of the piston to charge the cylinder above the piston with oil. On the following up stroke of the piston the valve 39 closes and the oil above the piston is discharged from the cylinder and delivered to the nozzle 27 through the hose 28.

40 is a normally open manually controlled switch on the nozzle 27, the switch being provided with three stationary contacts 41, 42, and 43. As illustrated in the circuit diagram, Fig. 4, the stationary contact 42 of each nozzle switch is connected in series circuit relation with the solenoid 22 of its pump. The stationary contacts 41 and 43 are connected in series circuit relation with the motor 1.

44 is a lever which is pivoted to the nozzle in the guard 45 thereof at 46 when the lever 44 is grasped with the nozzle. The switch 40 is closed and the motor is energized by the source of supply to which the main conductors 47 are connected. At the same time the solenoid 22 of the pump is energized, resulting in the closing of its clutch as described above, whereby the pump is connected to the motor and driven thereby to supply fluid under pressure to the nozzle. When the lever 44 is released, the control motor circuit is opened by the opening of the switch 40 and the pumping action stops. The spring 23 automatically returns the driving clutch member to its normal position out of engagement with the driven clutch member. Thus, the pumping action is under the direct control of the operator at the nozzle.

I provide an improved supervisory control by means of which any one of the pumps can be set to deliver a predetermined quantity of fluid and automatically stop after the delivery of such quantity. 48 is a gear wheel which is rotatable with the sleeve 49 on the stationary shaft 50. 51 is an opening in the gear wheel 48 in which is mounted a panel 52 of insulating material by means of screws 53. Terminals 54 and 55 are mounted on the panel to project from the face and back thereof as illustrated. The terminals are connected in series circuit relation with the control circuit by means of separate contact rings 56, 56 and brushes 57, 57, the latter being mounted on the wall 58 of the pump casing and the former being rotatable with the disk 59 of insuiating material mounted on the back of a gear 60. With the parts arranged in this manner, the gear wheel 48, gear 60, disk 59 and contact rings 56 rotate as a unit.

61 is a switch blade pivoted to the terminal 55 for contact with the terminal 54 at the face of the panel 52. 62 is a lever of insulating material pivoted to the panel at 63 and connected to the switch blade at 64 for opening the switch when the lever 62 is tilted. 65 is a spring connecting the lever 62 and the switch blade 61 for urging the latter into contact with the terminal 54. Thus, the switch 61 is held in normally closed position by the spring 65.

i 66 is the face plate of the switch mechanism housing 67. Such face plate is provided with an annular series of perforations 68 centered about the axis of the gear wheel 48. The perforations are preferably angularly spaced to such an extent that the piston can make one cycle exactly therebetween so as to fill the cylinder and discharge its contents. 69 is a control arm rotatable on the sleeve 49 and is provided with a spring actuated pin 70 for selective projection through one of the perforations 68 into the path of the lever 62 when the gear wheel 48 is rotated. The engagement of the lever with the pin causes the former to tilt and actuate the switch blade 61 away from the contact 54. This automatically opens the motor control circuit, de-energizes the motor and stops the pump.

71 is a pointer disposed between the face plate 66 and the control arm 69 for rotation with the sleeve 49. This pointer provides an external indication of the position of the lever 32 within the housing 67.

72 is a dial wheel which is driven by gear 48 through pinion 73. 74 is a small window in the face plate 66 through which the numerals on the dial wheel. 72 are made visible.

75 is an over-running clutch arranged between the pinion 76 which drives the gear wheel 48 and the shaft 77 which is driven by the large gear 9. 78 is a ratchet wheel on the shaft 77 and 79, 79, 79 are pawls urged into coaction therewith by means of the springs 80, 80. 80. 81 is a housing rotatably mounted on the shaft 77 and connected to the pinion gear 76 for rotation therewith. The pawls or detents 79 are pivotally carried by the housing 81 as illustrated. 82 is a ring on the shaft 77 seated in registering grooves in the pinion and shaft and connecting these members for relative rotational movement.

83 is an externally knurled finger piece on the outer end of shaft 50 by means of which the switching mechanism may be advanced to zero. The over-running clutch 75 permits the advance- I ment of the switching mechanism to its initial position.

Instead of the over-running clutch, if desired, a slip friction connection may be provided between the shaft 77 and pinion 76. In this case, the gear wheel 48 can be returned to its initial position by rotating it in reverse direction. Referring to Fig. 15, I illustrate means for locating the initial position of the gear whee-l when reversely rotated. 84 is an arm pivoted at 85 to the bracket 86 on the front wall 58 of the pump casing. 88 is a spring which holds the arm 84 in its normal position against the abutment 89. 90 is a stop secured to the back of the gear wheel l8 for coaction with the pivoted arm 84 so that rotation of the gear wheel in reverse direction is limited past its initial position and rotation of the gear wheel in its forward direction is permitted without interruption.

91 is an arm pivoted at 92 to the bracket 93 mounted on the inner side of the face plate 66. 94 is a stop or abutment for limiting the movement of the arm in a reverse direction. The arm 91 is adapted to coact with the lever 62 of the switch mechanism so as to positively return the same to its initial position when the gear wheel 43 is returned to its initial position. When the gear wheel 48 is actuated in its forward direction of rotation, the pivoted arm 91 is adapted to tilt without afiecting the position of the lever 62. The pivoted arm 91 can be held in its normal position by means of a spring (not shown).

The operation of the device may be briefly summarized as follows. The attendant places the pin 70 of the selected pump 2 in a selected aperture 68, depending upon the number of quarts of oil desired. In this comiection, it should be noted that the different pumps may be arranged to deliver oil of difierent grades such as light, medium, heavy, etc. The attendant then places the nozzle 27 of the selected pump in the oil pipe of the customers vehicle, for example, and manipulates the lever 44 so as to close the normally open switch 40 thereof. This results in the energizing of the motor 1 and the energizing of the solenoid 22 of such pump. The energizing of the solenoid closes the clutch re sulting in the driving of the pump by the motor and the consequent discharge of oil from the nozzle.

The operation of the pump causes the gear wheel is to turn until the lever 62 engages the pin 70 at the selected station. Such engagement results in the rocking of the switch 61 to open position, which de-energizes the motor, stops the pump and opens the clutch l. In this manner, the switch mechanism acts to control the quantity of fluid delivered by the pump exactly in accordance with the quantity desired. At the same time, the indicator dial 72 shows exactly how many pistonfuls of fluid have been delivered by the pump. The switch mechanism is then reset to its initial position by advancing it, where the over-running clutch is used, or by retracting it, where a slip friction connection is used.

As shown by Fig. 4, the solenoids 22 are connected in parallel circuit relation with the motor 1 while the nozzle switches to are connected in series circuit relation with the gear switches 61. Thus, when a nozzle switch li) is closed, its

. solenoid 22 and the motor 1 are energized. This results in the'closing of the clutch of the selected pump and the operation of the latter by the motor switch 61 is opened by the supervisory control mechanism as described above or by the opening of the switch 40.

- It is thus seen that one motor is used to drive a number of pumps and is not put in operation except when it is desired to use a pump. With the exception of setting the supervisory control mechanism to deliver a predetermined quantity of fluid and the manual closing of the nozzle switch, the mechanism is entirely automatic in its operation. It is to be understood that the circuits including the gear switch, nozzle switch and solenoid of each pump are connected in such relation with each other that the above described cycle of operation takes place when it is desired to operate one or more of the different pumps.

It is obvious that various changes and modifications may be made in the details of construction and design of the above specifically described embodiments of my invention without departing from the spirit thereof, such changes and modifications being restricted only by the scope of the following claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. The combination with a pluralityof fluid dispensing pumps each having a hose terminating in a nozzle, of a driving motor, a normally open manually controlled switch on each nozzle in control circuit relation with said motor, a normally open clutch connecting each pump to said motor, an electromagnet associated with each clutch for closing the same on the closing of said switch, a normally closed switch associated with each pump in control circuit relation with said motor, means associated with each pump and actuated there-by for opening said normally closed switch, and manually controlled means for predeterm ning the operation of said switch opening means to control the quantity of fluid delivered by such pump.

2. The combination with a plurality of fluid dispensing pumps, of a driving motor, a normally open manually controlled switch associated with each pump in control circuit relation with said motor, a normally open clutch connecting each pump to said motor, an electromagnet associated with each clutch for closing the same on the closing of said switch, a normally closed switch associated with each pump in control circuit relation with said motor, means associated with each pump and actuated thereby for opening said normally closed switch, and manually controlled means for predetermining the operation of said switch opening means to control the quantity of fluid delivered by such pump.

3. The combination with a plurality of fluid dispensing pumps each having a hose terminating in a nozzle, of a driving motor, a manually controlled switch on each nozzle in control circuit relation with said motor, a normally open clutch connecting each pump to said motor, means associated with each clutch for ciosing the same on the closing of said switch, a switch associated with each pump in control circuit relation with said motor, means associated with each pump and actuated thereby for operating said last named switch, and manually controlled means for predetermining the operation of said switch opening means to control the quantity of fluid delivered by such pump,

4. The combination with a plurality of fluid dispensing pumps, of a driving motor, a manually controlled switch associated with each pump in control circuit relation with said motor, a normally open clutch connecting each pump to said motor, means associated with each clutch for closing the same on the closing of said switch, a switch associated with each pump in control circuit relation with said motor, means associated with each pump and actuated thereby for operating said last named switch, and manually controlled means for predetermining the operation of said switch opening means to control the quancity of fluid delivered by such pump.

5. The combination with a dispensing pump having a hose terminating in a nozzle, of a driving motor, a normally open manually controlled switch on said nozzle in control circuit relation with said motor, a normally open clutch connecting said pump to said motor, an electromagnet associated with said clutch for closing the same on the closing of said switch, a normally closed switch associated with said pump in control circuit relation with said motor, means associated with said pump and actuated thereby for opening said normallyi closed switch, and manually controlled means for predetermining the operation of said switch opening means to control the quantity of fluid delivered by said pump.

6. The combination with a dispensing pump, of a driving motor, a manually controlled switch in control circuit relation with said motor, a normally open clutch connecting said pump to said motor, means associated with said clutch for closing the same on the operation of said switch, a switch associated with said pump in control circuit relation with said motor, means associated with said pump and actuated thereby for operating last named switch, and means for predetermining the operation of said switch operating means to control the quantity of fluid delivered by said pump.

7. The combination with a fluid dispensing pump having a driving motor and a hose terminating in a nozzle, of a normally open manually controlled switch on said nozzle in control circuit relation with said motor, a normally closed switch in control circuit relation with said motor, means driven by said motor for opening said normally closed switch, and manually controlled means for predetermining the operation of said switch opening means to control the quantity of fluid delivered by said pump.

8. The combination with a fluid dispensing pump having a driving motor, of a normally open manually controlled switch in control circuit relation with said motor, a normally closed switch in control circuit relation with said motor, means driven by said motor for opening said normally closed switch, and manually controlled means for predetermining the operation of said switch opening means to control the quantity of fluid delivered by said pump.

9. The combination with a dispensing pump having a driving motor, of a manually controlled switch in control circuit relation with said motor, a motor operated switch in control circuit relation with said motor, and manually controlled means for pre-setting the operation of said motor operated switch.

10. The combination with a fluid dispensing pump having a driving motor and a hose terminating in a nozzle, of a normally open manually controlled switch on said nozzle in control circuit relation with said motor, said last named switch comprising a wheel rotated by said motor with said pump and having an opening, a panel of insulating material mounted on said wheel in said opening, terminals mounted on said panel, a switch blade pivoted to one of said terminals for contact with the other, a lever pivoted to said panel and connected to said blade, a tension spring connecting said lever and blade for urgthe blade into contact with said other terminal, a face plate having an annular series of perforations centered on the axis of said wheel, a control arm having a spring actuated pin for selective projection through one of said perforations into the path of said lever, and a pointer rotatable with said wheel and disposed between said face plate and control arm.

11. The combination with a fluid dispensing pump having a driving motor and a hose terminating in a nozzle, of a normally open manually controlled switch on said nozzle in control circuit relation with said motor, a normally closed switch in control circuit relation with said motor, said last named switch comprising a wheel rotated by said motor with said pump and having an opena panel of insulating material mounted on said wheel in said opening, terminals mounted on said panel, a switch blade pivoted to one of said terminals for contact with the other, a lever pivoted to said panel and connected to said blade, a spring for urging the blade into contact with said other terminal, a face plate having an annular series of perforations centered on the axis of said wheel, and a for selective projection through one of perforations into the path of said lever.

12. The combination with a dispensing pump having a driving motor and a hose terminating in a nozzle, of a manually controlled switch on said nozzle in control circuit relation with said motor, a switch in control circuit relation with said motor, said last named switch comprising a wheel rotated by said motor with said pump, terminals mounted on said wheel, a switch blade pivoted to one of said terminals for contact with the other, a lever for actuating said blade, a tension spring connecting said lever and blade for urging the blade into contact with said other terminal, an annular series of stations centered on the axis of said wheel, and a stop for selective positioning at one of said stations in the path of said lever.

13. The combination with a dispensing pump having a driving motor, of a manually controlled switch in control circuit relation with said motor, a switch in control circuit relation with said motor, said last named switch comprising a wheel rotated. by said motor with said pump, terminals mounted on said wheel, a switch blade pivoted to one of said terminals for contact with the other, a lever for actuating said blade, a spring for urging the blade into contact with said other terminal, an annular series of stations centered on the axis of said wheel, and a stop for selective positioning at one of said stations in the path of said lever.

14. The combination with a dispensing pump having a driving motor, of a manually controlled switch in control circuit relation with said motor, a switch in control circuit relation with said motor, said last named switch comprising a wheel rotated by said motor with said pump, terminals mounted on said wheel, a spring retracted switch blade pivoted to one of said terminals for contact with the other, an annular series of stations centered on the axis of said wheel, and means adapted to be located at a selected one of said stations for actuating said switch when it reaches such station.

15. A switch mechanism for pumps and the like, comprising a stationary shaft, a sleeve rotatable on said shaft, a gear wheel rotatable with said sleeve and having an opening, a panel of insulating material mounted on said wheel in said opening, terminals mounted on said panel to project from the face and back thereof, a switch pivoted to one of said terminals projecting from the face of said panel for contact with the other terminal, a lever pivoted to said panel and geared to said switch for operating the latter, a tension spring connecting said lever and switch for urging the latter in contact with said other terminal, a face plate having an opening for the passage of said sleeve and an annular series of perforations, a control arm rotatable on said sleeve and having a spring actuated pin for selective projection through one of said perforations into the path of said lever, a pointer disposed between said face plate and said control arm and rotatable with said sleeve, and a pump driving motor for turning said wheel and connected in control circuit relation with said terminals.

16. A switch mechanism for pumps and the like, comprising a stationary shaft, a sleeve rotatable on said shaft, a gear wheel rotatable with said sleeve and having an opening, a panel of insulating material mounted on said wheel in said opening, terminals mounted on said panel, a switch pivoted to one of said terminals for contact with the other terminal, a lever pivoted to said panel and geared to said switch for operating the latter, a tension spring connecting said lever and switch for urging the latter in contact with said other terminal, a face plate having an opening for the passage of said sleeve and an annular series of perforations, a control arm rotatable on said sleeve and having a spring actuated pin for selective projection through one of said perforations into the path of said lever, and a pump driving motor for turning said wheel and connected in control circuit relation with said terminals.

17. A. switch mechanism for pumps and the like, comprising an adjustable wheel having a pane of insulating material mounted on said wheel, terminals mounted on said panel, a switch pivoted to one of said terminals for contact with the other terminal, a lever pivoted to said panel and geared to said switch for operating the latter, a tension spring connecting said lever and switch for urging the latter in contact with said other terminal, a manually adjustable stop selectively disposable at difierent stations in the path of said lever, and a pump driving motor for turning said wheel and connected in control circuit relation with said terminals.

18. A switch mechanism for pumps and the like, comprising an adjustable wheel, terminals mounted on said wheel, a switch pivoted to one of said terminals for contact with the other terminal, a lever pivoted to said wheel and geared to said switch for operating the latter, a tension spring connecting said lever and switch for urging the switch in contact with said other terminal, a face plate having an annular series of perforations, a control arm having a spring actuated pin for selective projection through one of said perforations into the path of said lever, a pointer disposed between said face plate and said control arm and rotatable with said wheel, and a pump driving motor for turning said wheel and connected in control circuit relation with said terminals.

19. A switch mechanism for pumps and the like, comprising an adjustable wheel, terminals mounted on said wheel, a switch pivoted to one of said terminals for contact with the other terminal, a lever pivoted to said wheel and geared to said switch for operating the latter, a spring for urging the switch in contact with said other tera face plate having an annular series of perforations, a pin for selective projection through one of said perforations into the path of said lever, and a pump driving motor for turning said wheel and connected in control circuit relation with said terminals.

HENRY VAN DAMI. 

